Longtime Manny Pacquiao ally Chavit Singson says boxing legend should fix mess with Paradigm

Chavit Singson, seen at the back of the referee, thinks Manny Pacquiao should settle the score with Paradigm first before even thinking about a boxing return even if it's an exhibition. AP (file photo)
By Dugout Philippines

MANILA--Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Crisologo “Chavit” Singson has advised former Senator and retired boxer Manny Pacquiao to settle his lawsuit first with Paradigm Sports Management (PSM) before accepting any tune-up fight offer. 

Singson, 81, believes that it is really high time for the 43-year-old Pacquiao to reach out to those people who were hurt last year by his decision not to fight under the PSM brand despite their signed agreement. 

“I think he really needs to fix his problem with Paradigm Sports Management first before accepting any tuneup fights,” Singson said. “I don’t have any knowledge about the lawsuit, but it’s better for Manny to settle it [pending court case] first than not.”

Pacquiao was sued by PSM of CEO Audie Attar before the Superior Court of California for alleged breach of contract last year. PSM is seeking to recover the $3.3 million it claims it paid Pacquiao in advance for a fight PSM is eyeing for the boxer.

The court case remains ongoing in California. 

“He really needs to settle all those problems — not only the court case but also his other concerns to other people — so that he can get a good tuneup fight,” Singson added. “If there’s no hindrance, that would be nice.”

Pacquiao’s ex-confidante Jayke Joson shared the same sentiment with Singson, adding that it is only suitable for the future boxing Hall of Famer to resolve all his problems first before doing any fights.

“Manong Chavit knows the ins and outs of life. He’s been in many struggles and won all the fights he encountered. I agree that Manny should settle his issue with Paradigm first before entertaining any offers,” Joson said.

Singson, the highly-respected business tycoon, had earlier introduced a possible tough tuneup opponent for the welterweight warrior Pacquiao once everything is settled for good. 

Retired 6-foot-4 heavyweight mixed martial artist Bob Sapp, 48, and Singson paid a visit to Pacquiao’s house recently, but no formal agreement was made.

“This fight will earn him millions of money if it happens. But again, he needs to settle his court case first in the US,” Singson said. 

Singson also criticized Pacquiao’s upcoming bout against South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo set sometime in December in Seoul, South Korea. 

“That’s nothing he will not earn big money there because that’s not a champion and not popular,” Singson said. “Bob [Sapp] is definitely the fight Manny needs or a super fight with famous MMA UFC fighter Connor McGregor.” 

Follow the site on Twitter: @DugoutPH